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LeBron James Weighed a Cleveland Return Before Signing with Philadelphia
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Decision After Historic Comeback
Following the Philadelphia 76ers’ 114-106 comeback win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James said he had seriously considered re-joining Cleveland during the free-agency offseason. The discussion centered on whether to finish his career with the team that drafted him in 2003 and with which he won the 2016 NBA championship.
Background and Career Context
James began his NBA career with the Cavaliers, left for the Miami Heat in 2010, and returned to Cleveland in 2014, delivering the franchise’s first title in 2016. At 41, he entered free agency as the league’s all-time leading scorer, attracting interest from multiple contenders.
Official Statements & Responses
James addressed reporters after the game, emphasizing the seriousness of his Cleveland talks:
- “The nature of the meeting, I probably won't discuss much, but it was in consideration for sure,” — James
- “It was just a team that's trying to build towards a championship,” — James
- “The nature of the meeting, I probably won’t discuss much, but it was a consideration for sure. I mean, that’s a team trying to build toward the championship and things of that nature. I was trying to decide where I wanted to go with the rest of my career, to finish my career or whatever the case may be, the next step, and there was a lot of consideration for sure,” — James
Cavaliers president Koby Altman, general manager Brandon Weems, and members of the Gilbert ownership family met with James in Akron, Ohio, according to league reports. Head coach Kenny Atkinson later confirmed the Cavaliers were among the teams pursuing him.
Contract Details and Game Statistics
The articles note that James ultimately signed a two-year veteran-minimum contract worth $8 million, including a player option. The 76ers’ victory featured a 29-point deficit erased, marking the largest comeback of James’ career.
Outlook
James indicated his intention to spend the remainder of his playing days in Philadelphia, aiming to help the Sixers capture their first championship since 1983. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers filled the roster gap by signing forward Peyton Watson, signaling a continued push toward contention without James.